Morning Briefing: March 30, 2024

By Gizem Nisa Cebi

ISTANBUL (AA) – Here’s a rundown of all the news that you need to start your Saturday, including Israeli forces killing dozens more Palestinians, U.S. President Joe Biden reportedly secretly authorizing billions of dollars in new bombs and fighter jets for Israel, and the resignation of Northern Ireland’s DUP leader after facing police charges.

TOP STORIES

• 71 more Palestinians killed in Gaza, pushing death toll to 32,623

At least 71 more Palestinians were killed and 112 others injured over the last 24 hours, as Israel continues its onslaught on the besieged Gaza Strip, the territory's Health Ministry said on Friday.

“The Israeli occupation (forces) committed seven massacres against families in the Gaza Strip, leaving 71 martyrs and 112 injured during the past 24 hours,” a ministry statement said.

“Many people are still trapped under the rubble and on the roads, with rescuers unable to reach them,” it added.

• Biden quietly signs off on more bombs, warplanes for Israel

US President Joe Biden has secretly authorized billions of dollars in new bombs and fighter jets for Israel in recent days, according to a report published Friday.

Israel's war on Gaza continues to rage with widespread destruction, displacement, and death throughout the coastal enclave. Tel Aviv has vowed to take its offensive to the southern city of Rafah, where some 1.5 million displaced people have sought refuge.

The arms approved this week by the US president include 1,800 MK84 2,000-pound bombs and 500 MK82 500-pound bombs, anonymous State and Defense department officials told the Washington Post. The State Department last week approved the transfer of 25 F-35A fighter jets and engines, a US official added.

• Facing police charges, Northern Ireland’s DUP leader steps down

The leader of Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), the second-largest party in the Northern Ireland Assembly, resigned after being charged by police, the party said on Friday.

"The Party Chairman has received a letter … confirming that he has been charged with allegations of an historical nature and indicating that he is stepping down as Leader of the Democratic Unionist Party with immediate effect,” a party statement said.

It added that Donaldson’s party membership has also been suspended, pending the outcome of a judicial process.

NEWS IN BRIEF

• South Africa pleased with outcome of genocide case at top UN court: President
• Türkiye is making “intense efforts” to pressure Israel cease-fire decision after UN resolution: President Erdogan
• Palestine’s President Mahmoud Abbas said Friday that Israel must "rapidly and completely" withdraw from the Gaza Strip and cease all unilateral actions in the West Bank and Jerusalem, according to Palestinian news agency Wafa.
• 25 Palestinians detained in West Bank, raising tally to 7,870 since Oct. 7
• Italian fighter jets intercept Russian planes over Baltic Sea
• Final results of March 24 presidential election in Senegal announced, with Bassirou Diomaye Faye winning with 54.2% of the vote
• 6 Kenyan traders killed by al-Shabaab terrorists near border with Somalia
• US imposes new visa restrictions on multiple Hong Kong officials over crackdown on rights, freedoms
• Israeli army claims it hit Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon
• New Turkish-made TB3 drone flies for 27 hours uninterrupted
• US congressional leaders calls on Russia to release Wall Street Journal reporter
• 45 people killed when bus crashes off bridge in South Africa
  

SPORTS

• Head coach Xabi Alonso to stay at Bayer Leverkusen for next season

Spanish head coach Xabi Alonso on Friday confirmed he is staying with Germany's Bayer Leverkusen for the next season, ending rumors he could succeed Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager this summer.

"Last week I had a very good meeting with Simon (Rolfes) and Fernando (Carro) and informed them of my decision to continue as coach of Bayer Leverkusen," Alonso told a press conference.

Rolfes, a former Germany and Leverkusen midfielder, is currently the club's sporting director, and Carro is the CEO of Leverkusen.

• Nigel Hayes-Davis' record 50 points in EuroLeague gives Fenerbahce Beko comfortable 103-68 win over Alba Berlin

Nigel Hayes-Davis put up a record 50 points for Turkish team Fenerbahce Beko in a comfortable 103-68 win Friday over German side Alba Berlin in a round 32 game in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague.

The American forward now has the most points in a single game in EuroLeague history, beating Anadolu Efes' Shane Larkin, who once scored 49 points.

US guard Sterling Brown was the top scorer for Alba with 17 at the Ulker Sports and Event Hall.

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

• Global real estate market in 2023 hit $365.51 trillion

The global real estate and infrastructure market last year hit a record high of $365.51 trillion, said Trem Global, a Turkish real estate firm.

The real estate sector, which has defied global economic fluctuations, continues to maintain its strength this year, according to a Thursday company statement based on Precedence Research results.

The market growth was achieved in an environment full of geopolitical tensions in the residential segment.

• Americans' personal income growth slows, but spending rises in February

Americans' personal income growth slowed in February, but their personal spending accelerated on a monthly basis, according to official figures released Friday.

U.S. personal income rose $66.5 billion, or 0.3% at a monthly rate in February, the US Bureau of Economic Analysis said Friday.

The figure is a significant slowdown from the 1% monthly increase seen in January, and also came in lower than market estimates of a 0.4% gain.